Symptoms of ADHD
While some inattention is normal for all, when it reaches the point where you’re unable to complete necessary tasks, it may be time to consider counseling services for adult ADD or ADHD. Some of the most common focus-related symptoms of ADD and ADHD include:
- Short attention span and being easily distracted
- Careless mistakes
- Appearing forgetful or losing things
- Unable to stick to time-consuming tasks
- Unable to listen to or carry out instructions
- Constantly changing activity or task
- Unable to sit still, especially in calm or quiet surroundings
- Constantly fidgeting
- Acting on impulses
- Interrupting conversations
Keep in mind that these symptoms are not an exhaustive list. If you are unsure if you have ADHD, schedule diagnostic testing with our team. Our comprehensive testing capabilities help us identify what you need in order to best manage your symptoms and emerge with adaptive strategies to live successfully with ADHD.
Medication
Medication is often the first line of defense against the symptoms of ADHD. Daily prescription medications may help alleviate some of the symptoms of ADHD that make it difficult to complete daily tasks and stay focused.
While medication is an effective therapy for ADHD, patients will need to work with their psychologist to find the right medication and dosage. It’s worth noting that every medication can have side effects, like nausea, fatigue, and irritability. It will take time for you to find the optimal medication and dosage with minimal or zero side effects.
To get the most out of your meds, you must clearly communicate with your prescribing doctor and follow his or her advice, especially during the initial phase of taking medication. This close communication is needed to adjust dosage and control side effects in a timely manner.
Behavioral Therapies
While taking medication will help regulate your brain, it often works best when paired with ADHD-specific counseling. This is especially true for adults struggling with work and day-to-day responsibilities due to their ADHD symptoms.
There are, for instance, behavioral therapies, like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), that work to address specific problem behaviors by teaching you how to more realistically structure your time, establish routines, and increase positive outcomes. You may talk through your issues in various sessions with your therapist or partake in various therapeutic activities and practices of novel techniques. The goal of therapy more generally, with an attentional disorder is to learn or strengthen positive behaviors and eliminate unwanted problem behaviors.
This and other styles of ADHD therapy for adults can help you find ways to cope with your condition in various settings without only relying solely on medication to succeed.
Learn More About ADHD Therapy for Adults in Chicago
Are you interested in learning more about ADHD therapy in Chicago? Our mental health specialists at Wellington Counseling Group can help you find the relief you need. Set up a consultation with us to find a treatment plan that works best for you. We will help you every step of the way.
Contact us today if you’re interested in setting up a consultation to get ADHD therapy in Chicago.